Tattoos- good or bad?

[monkeymama]

I have two visible tattoos. I have never had a DCP even make a comment about them. If someone didnt choose me simply for that reason, they are far too superficial and I dont really want to do business with them anyway. Dont second guess yourself or anything about yourself! Own your tattoos and be proud of them

[sunnydays]

I think as long as you are dressed professionally (ie. no low cut blouses or high cut shorts etc) and the tattoos are not obscene, it should not matter. If you cover them for interviews, then I believe you should have them covered at all times for daycare or else the parents may have a shock when they see them! You only want clients who accept you for who you are. I say this as someone who does not have tatoos and would not really want my kids to have them...but I respect the choices of others to have them and would not condone judgement based on anything like this.

[treeholm]

My problem with tattoos is not the tattoo itself, but what it stands for. It's a way of having your passions and interests "go ahead of you." If the first thing I see about you is a tattoo expressing your passion for something I find distasteful, I would have a hard time leaving my child with you. I'm not otherwise judgemental, but I prefer to get to know someone a bit before discovering that they support a weird cult that I cannot support. For example, if you had a scientology emblem (if such a thing exists) I would be more hesitant. If you had snakes and devils all over your arms, that would put me off as well. Most of the tattoos I've seen in recent years have been quite lovely, and wouldn't even be an issue.

[Spixie33]

I think (honestly) that it would give me some pause if a DCP had visible tattoos. I guess a tiny 1.2 inch star on the wrist would be different than something all down the arm though.
However, that said...if I go to the interview and am impressed with the DCP and the setup and her personality then I would probably get past it.

I may be a stick in the mud or think stereo types but just telling you honestly that it would probably factor into my decision -- not necessarily as a NO WAY but it would make me go hmmmmmmm....

However...if you are worried based on only 2 interviews then don't be. I think I had close to 10 interviews before signing my first family. It all depends if you click and if they like what you offer etc. Some people may be worried that you are just starting out and don't want to be your 'first' family. Your interviewing techniques will get more relaxed and comfortable the more you do them and it will eventually land you your families. It is normal not to land the first 2 interviews starting out so don't sweat it

[sunnydays]

I agree with what the others have said about the first interviews not necessarily working out. When I started, I had five interviews before I finally had a kid sign on...after that everything fell into place and I haven't had an interview not work out since then (unless I chose not to sign that family on). It is a learning curve...don't panic!

[kidlove]

Here is my opinion.... Didnt even care to read all the others input because I felt so strongly to respond. YOU be who YOU are. NO MATTER WHAT!!!! You should never concider hiding who you are for the benefit of others. Not to mention...if someone IS going to have a problem with your tats and you have them covered on first visit, they chose you, come to drop off and see them...do you really want THEN to be the time they address it? They should choose you for who you are, caring loving, honest and affectionate toward their child. Not for what you look like. But most of all....who you are is a woman with tatoos, be true to that!

[kidlove]

OK Just read everyones response and AGAIN will just suggest for you to be yourself!!!! Dont try and be something you are not. You will attract the right fit for you and be happy in the long run if you are yourself. Not sure if this is a good example but, I go to a baptist church and every week I cant help but notice ALL the women wear skirts and longer sleeved shirts (shirts that cover their shoulder at least) When I first started going there, I couldnt help notice, I dressed dif. (I wear pants, and to add...alot of times just jeans)(in the heat this summer also wear tank tops) I thought at first, "maybe I should get skirts and longer shirts for church?"......very quickly answered myself however. Why would I try and be someone I am not, to fit in the crowd? I dont love God any less than them just because I dont follow some "dress code". And they have NEVER treated me any dif. because I have always been WHO I AM!!!!!
I have a small tattoo on my lower back (18 yr old mistake ) Doesnt bother me a ton, but made the choice young and it means NOTHING! but my Day Care kids think its so COOL. when we are playing on the floor sometimes my shirt will come up a little and they will ask about it, ask if they can touch it. Too Funny! If you are good with kids, WHO CARES what marks your body! If people judge you by how you look, they are not worth having in your life.

[Toregone]

I personally have a a DCP with visable tattoos and odd peircings (like surface peircings on her upper chest neat the collar bone) it didn't bother me at all. It was how she interacted with children that was important to me. I also have 2 tattos that are visable in the summer (ankle and upper back) but they are pretty PG - a monkey and a nautical star. I've had parents comment that they thought they were nice, nothing negative.

[Mamma_Mia]

Yup both parents of my 3yr old have tattoos. Mom has her whole uppper back but it's covered 90% of the time, only saw it in pictures of their summer vacation. and Dad has on legs & arms sleeves. They are the nicest ppl I know and are pretty "boring" if it wasn't for the ink LOL

[Sandbox Sally]

I sometimes worry about my visible tattoos when I interview, but I don't cover them. I figure, like everything else, if parents are put off by them, we likely won't mesh on other things as well. Many of my past and current clients have tattoos too... lol